Things might be looking even worse for the Minnesota Vikings offensive line after a pair of injuries to current starters John Sullivan and Vladimir Ducasse forced them out of Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.
Aug 16, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan (65) talks along the sidelines in the game with the Arizona Cardinals at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Both offensive linemen were injured on the same play during the first half of the Vikings contest against the Bills. Center John Sullivan had an early diagnosis of a concussion while guard Vladimir Ducasse had a knee issue. After the game, it was announced that Ducasse would need an MRI on his knee to evaluate if any internal damage was done.
Luckily, Vladimir Ducasse’s knee injury was shown to be nothing serious in the MRI. Ducasse is already serving as the starting right guard in place of Brandon Fusco, who was placed on Injured Reserve after tearing his pectoral muscle.
Things aren’t as positive for John Sullivan. Minnesota’s starting center was later officially diagnosed with a concussion and will need to pass the concussion protocol in order to return to the team. That includes being cleared by the team and an independent physician. If Sullivan is not cleared to play by Sunday, backup center Joe Berger will take over his duties. However, it is very hopeful that John Sullivan will be good to go by then.
John Sullivan has served as the anchor on the Minnesota Vikings offensive line after taking over for Matt Birk to begin the 2009 season. Birk instead left in free agency to go to the Baltimore Ravens. Over time, Sullivan developed in to solid player and was even named to the NFL’s All Pro First Team in 2012. Sullivan’s presence on the offensive line would be a real boost on Sunday, when Minnesota takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.